DWD mentors teens and young adults in the year-round program to help them become self-sufficient and offers life skills programs to build their competency in financial management, leadership, and character building.

Participants ages 14 to 21 explored various industries and career paths, including media/TV, entrepreneurship, criminal justice, and health care.

Guest speaker Ric Ross, CEO of Capital Records and Music Educational Group, shared the importance of striving for excellence in academic and professional endeavors, and DWD Youth Program alumnae Mimi Hawkins and Yashetrius Anderson emphasized the necessity of having and holding onto dreams.

County and private-sector business representatives, including DeKalb interim CEO Lee May, were in attendance.

Sheryl B.C. Stone, DWD director, said Youth ROCK! is a continuation of Workforce Development’s commitment to provide employment opportunities and information to DeKalb residents, including youth.

The event included 25 career paths represented by 35 professionals. During the event, DWD honored 58 participants who were on their way to college for the 2014-2015 academic year.

Tatiyana Hobbs, a participant, said presenters provided information on employment options that she had not yet considered.

For more information, call 404-687-3400 or contact Latanya Lowery at llowery@dekalbcountyga.gov or 404-371-3038.